Despite suffering a devastating fire in 2005 — the result of a lightning strike — the Oasis’ multi-tiered decks are still open and offer the best view in town, no matter where you’re sitting. Also known as the Lake Shore Drive Bridge, it still stands today, forming part of the scenic Chicago waterfront. Stop in at the RunTex flagship store on Riverside Drive for a new pair of running shoes (422 West Riverside). Don’t miss a stop at Waterloo Records (600 North Lamar), Austin’s fiercely independently music store that has given many musicians their start, Diamond Painting and pick up compilation discs from local radio station KGSR 107.1 as gifts for Diamond Art UK music-loving friends.
Start at Blackmail (1202 South Congress), where the only colors you’ll find in this very cool store are black and Diamant Malerei white, then stop at Antigua (1508 S Congress) for Guatemalan and Mexican art and decor, plus locally crafted jewelry. Wrap up the day with a stop at Central Market (4001 North Lamar, at 38th & Lamar), where the incredible (and huge!) Cobb salad is a great choice for noshing. Drinks are good, but stop at appetizers, though the menu is getting much better lately.
Bring a picnic lunch (coolers allowed; much cheaper way to go), and buy refreshments there (including adult drinks at Zebo’s Beach Bar). You can buy the bottle there, too. Buy a great pair of boots at Allen’s Boots (1522 South Congress), or cool cowboy attire, and then browse vintage finds at local favorite New Bohemia (1606 South Congress). Afterward, you can wander through the Austin Museum of Art (823 Congress Ave) to view some of the best American Diamond Art UK made since 1900, then enjoy a glass of wine at Cork & Company (308 Congress Ave), where reasonably priced and Diamond Painting humorously-named wine flights like «Cab Ride to Manhattan» featuring top Cabernet Sauvignon wines and great cheese plates are worth the visit.
1 day: Enjoy a classic Tex-Mex breakfast at Las Manitas Avenue Cafe (211 Congress Ave), but be prepared to wait — it’s a very popular place every day of the week and is known for its breakfast migas (Tex-Mex breakfast dish of tortillas, eggs, and cheese) during the week and menudo (Mexican soup) on the weekends. Pity. Make the most of it with a trip to South Congress Avenue. Head out to some quality live music at Speakeasy (412D Congress Ave), which features small wooden tables around a dance floor in a relaxed atmosphere in which young professionals grasp apple martinis listening to the sounds of jazz, blues, and ska.
A makeshift dance floor in front of the DJ station is a focal point with ambient lighting from pieces of original neon and metal art hanging from the bar brick walls. Cross over to 6th Street and Diamond Art UK from there the sky’s the limit: try the ultra-cool Molotov Lounge (719 West Sixth) with its actual ice bar and premium vodkas, or grab a beer at Shakespeare’s Pub (314 East Sixth). Select an organic coffee blend and broderie diamant chill out, or enjoy an ice-cold Lone Star beer and a sandwich.
2 days: Get up early, grab some house-roasted European coffee and Diamond Painting Kits a homemade pastry (the cinnamon rolls are huge and flaky — they melt in your mouth!
